Photo Coverage: SOUL OF SHAOLIN Press Preview

"Soul of Shaolin," the upcoming Chinese martial arts spectacular that begin performances at Broadway's Marquis Theatre Tuesday, January 13. The talented performers met the press to gvie a small preview of the wonders that await Broadway audiences when the show opens.

Tickets are available now at Ticketmaster.com and at all Ticketmaster outlets. The Marquis Theatre Box Office (1535 Broadway) will open December 22, 2008.  

In addition, to see Broadway World's exclusive sneak peek video of "Soul of Shaolin," CLICK HERE.

"Soul of Shaolin" will open Thursday, January 15 at Broadway's Marquis Theatre (1535 Broadway) and play a limited engagement of 24 performances in celebration of the Lunar New Year* - the year of the Ox.

Direct from appearances in Sydney, Macau, and at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, comes a theatrical event that is unparalleled on Broadway. "Soul of Shaolin" tells the story of a boy named Hui Guang who is separated from his mother by war. Hui Guang is found and taken in by the legendary monks of the Shaolin temple and raised among them. As he becomes a man, Hui Gang becomes an accomplished master of Shaolin Kung Fu and embarks on a spectacular journey of self-discovery.

"Soul of Shaolin" marks the first time a production from the People's Republic of China has appeared on Broadway.

"Soul of Shaolin" will feature 33 Chinese nationals who are highly skilled in Shaolin Kung Fu, the breathtaking martial art that has been featured in such films as Fearless (starring international superstar Jet Li) and Shaolin Soccer, both of which were recent US box office successes.

Shaolin Kung Fu is the collection of martial arts that is associated with the monks of the Shaolin temple in China's Henan province. This particular style is characterized by almost superhuman displays of strength and agility, but is tempered with the monks' philosophical belief in training the mind, body, and Soul.

"Soul of Shaolin" marks the inaugural production of China on Broadway which is a historic partnership between Nederlander Worldwide Productions and Eastern Shanghai Cultural Film and Television Group. China on Broadway's American and Chinese partners will work together to develop and produce theatrical projects for global audiences. China on Broadway will bring an annual theatrical event featuring leading Chinese artists to Broadway in celebration of the Lunar New Year.

Tickets to "Soul of Shaolin" are available at Ticketmaster.com and at all Ticketmaster outlets.  The Marquis Theatre Box Office (1535 Broadway) will open December 22, 2008. Tickets are $95, $75, and $50. Student Rush tickets will be available for $30 day of the show at the Marquis Theatre Box Office with a valid ID, two tickets per student pending availability.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

    * TUESDAY, JANUARY 13 - SUNDAY, JANUARY 25: Tuesday at 7 PM, Wednesday at 2 & 8 PM, Thursday and Friday at 8 PM, Saturday 2 & 8 PM, Sunday 3 PM.
    * MONDAY, JANUARY 26 - SATURDAY, JANUARY 31 (WEEK OF LUNAR NEW YEAR): Monday at 8 PM (Day of the Lunar New Year), Tuesday at 7 PM, Wednesday at 2 & 8 PM, Thursday and Friday at 8 PM, Saturday at 2 & 8 PM. Please note there is no performance on Sunday.

Photos by Peter James Zielinksi

Soul of Shaolin

Robert Nederlander, Jr. (Producer)

Li Zhi-Xiang (Producer)

Xue Weijun (Director)

Yu Fei as Hui Guang

Yu Fei

Yu Fei

Yu Fei

Zhang Zhigang as Naluo, the teacher

Zhang Zhigang

Zhang Zhigang

Wang Sen as young Hui Guang

Wang Sen

Wang Sen

Zhang Zhigang and Yu Fei

Zhang Zhigang and Yu Fei

Zhang Zhigang and Yu Fei

Zhang Zhigang and Yu Fei

Zhang Zhigang and Yu Fei

Zhang Zhigang and Yu Fei

Yu Fei and Zhang Zhigang

Yu Fei and Zhang Zhigang

Zhang Zhigang and Yu Fei

Yu Fei, Wang Sen, and Zhang Zhigang

front: , Yu Fei, Wang Sen, and Zhang Zhigang back: Xue Weijun, and Robert Nederlander, Jr., Li Zhi-Xiang

Xue Weijun (Director), Robert Nederlander, Jr. (Producer) , Li Zhi-Xiang (Producer)